CLIENT PROFILES

Utility Grant Program

Carla's Story

The economy had taken its toll on Carla and her family. She had been employed at a local pharmaceutical pacakging plant, but lost her job due to a hand injury, and her husband had been out of work for some time as well. Supporting her household and her 15-year-old son had become difficult. "The money just isn't out there anymore-it's not that easy," says Carla. "At 50, no one wants to hire you."

Carla han never gotten to the point where she needed to ask for assistance, but soon realized that her family was at risk of losing their utility service. After visiting GPASS, a neighborhood agency serving as a UESF intake site, Carla found out about the Utility Grant Program and what her family would be eligible to receive through UESF. She was able to have her family's utility bill paid, and get caught up with expenses. "If UESF hadn't stepped in, we wouldn't have had any heat last winter," says Carla.

Carla and her husband continue to look for work, and keep expenses in check. "Thank God we have programs like UESF," adds Carla, "because they give you a second chance."

Homelessness

Prevention Program

Richard's Story

Richard knew what it was like to have a succesful career. After a three year tour in the Army, he put himself through school and received certifications as an Emergency Medical Technician, and EKG Technician and a Medical and Nursing Assistant. Richard soon became an experienced health professional, holding positions at Jefferson and the Univeristy of Pennsylvania Hospitals, as well as the VA Medical Center, where he was employed for 10 years.

In 2009, a severe back injury on the job, as well as a diagnosis of prostate cancer brought his career to an abrupt end. No longer able to work in the only field he knew, he was dependent on Social Security Disability payments which amounted to less than a third of his previous monthly income. For almost a year, Richard lived in substandard rooming houses and shelters while receiving painful radiation treatments for his cancer. Once his treatments were completed and his health improving, Richard began to inquire about rent and security deposit assistance so he could get back into permanent housing. A friend referred him to the Homelessness Prevention Program at UESF, and he received the help he needed.

"I just needed a boost," said Richard. "I knew I could afford the monthly rent through my disability benefit, but could not afford the security." Richard also found out about PECO's CAP Rate program and other budget plans to help him keep up with expenses in his new home. He will always appreciate the help he received. "UESF was very, very helpful, very professional, and very caring," adds Richard.

With improved health, and a new roof over his head, Richard is back on track. These days, he is spending time settling into his new home, and playing with his 17-month-old grandchild. He urges others in need to "network, ask questions, and do your homework. Help is out there."

TANF Housing Stabilization Program

Freddy's Story

Freddy was struggling to make ends meet. Unemployed, and the single parent of his 3-year-old son Adrian, Freddy was facing escalating rent and utility bills as well as a slow job market, all of which weighed heavily upon him.

While attending a local EARN Center where he was receiving workforce development services, Freddy was referred to UESF's TANF Housing Stabilization Program. UESF helped Freddy pay down a large gas bill, and prevented the utility from being shut off. The agency also shared information with him about PECO's CAP Rate program, and local weatherization assistance programs.

Freddy's EARN Center training provided him with a Commercial Driver's License, and he soon found work driving patients for Cancer Treatment Centers of America. With his bills paid, and wages coming in, he has received a fresh start, and a more stable home situation for he and his son. His son Adrian turned 3 years old last New Year's Eve, and is enjoying his warm house. Freddy still checks in with his UESF case worker periodically to see how he is doing, and continues to show his gratitude for the assistance he received. Freddy's advice to others--- "Let people help you. There are many public resources out there, and they will help you better yourself."

Disability Housing Stabilization Program

Tianna's Story

At 31 years-old, Tianna has struggled more than most do over a lifetime. She and her husband of 12 years and her six children have faced homelessness as well as the burden of health problems affecting two of her sons and one of her daughters. Asthma and epilepsy afflict her son Marcus Jr., and her twins Marques and Marianna deal with congenital conditions caused by premature birth.

Impacted by the economic recession, Tianna's husband lost his job and the family faced mounting expenses. While Tianna works part time for the Witnesses to Hunger Project through the Drexel School of Public Health, it was not enough to sustain the family. She and her husband's time were also needed to care for their children, making full-time work difficult.

When Tianna came to UESF, she was immediately linked to the Disability Housing Stabilization program- due to the medical conditions among her children which she and her husband were dealing with. Through this program Tianna and her family received over $2,500 in utility assistance funds.

As one of the spokespersons for the Witnesses to Hunger Program, and working closely with program director Marianna Chilron, Tianna continues to advocate for women in poverty, and remains determined to make a better life for herself and her family. "...I am currently looking for additional employment and plan to enroll and complete a degree program. I refuse to let my circumstances become a prison."

Emergency Shelter Program

Ana's Story

Last year, Ana was struggling to stretch a very limited income to support her household. Due to a medical condition, her husband, Pascual, was unable to work, and she was the only one earning an income. Ana's income was not sufficient to pay the family's bills, and they began to get behind on their monthly housing expenses.

Ana first became aware of UESF through a call to PECO about her mounting utility bill. When she contacted UESF she was directed to the Emergency Shelter Program, and found out she and her family were eligible for assistance for both their utility bills and back mortgage payments through the program. UESF was able to help Ana zero out her bills for these housing expenses, and help her family come out of debt.

Ana and her husband are now up to date on their payments, and Ana is working hard to keep her family from getting behind again. "I've told many friends and family members about UESF," says Ana, who is grateful for the help she received.